Billie Louden captures the essence of the conflict many Americans feel in regard to the “war on terror” and our relations with our Muslim and Arab neighbors. Ms. Louden refers to detention of Japanese-Americans during WWII, and is ashamed that our country treated its citizens so unfairly, but goes on to say that similar treatment of Arab-Americans is alright, even necessary, to protect the rest of us. We know stereotypes and discrimination are wrong, but we are afraid. Fear causes us to set aside the noble ideas on which our nation was founded: equal treatment under the law, due process, freedom of speech, and freedom of association.

Louden decries the extremism of some Muslims and attributes it soley to their religion. By this logic, we should start locking up white Christian males. A large proportion of the death and destruction of the last 500 years can be attributed to men who look more like George Bush than Osama bin Laden. Fact of the matter is, although we all like easy stereotypes, religion is a small factor in determining the likelihood of a person becoming a terrorist or illegaly invading a country.

American tribalism has alway needed a bogeyman to be afraid of. First it was Indians, then blacks, then Communists, now Muslims. While the demonization of entire ethnic or political groups makes us feel better and safer, it is not effective against our enemies.

The vast majority of Muslims are not bent on the destruction of America. They only wish to live their lives in peace, like most people. We must be continuously vigilant against the extremists who wish to cause harm, but we must at the same time cultivate good relations with those who could be our allies. This strategy does not fit well into sound bites, it does not lend itself well to sports metaphors, but it is the only way to protect America while at the same time adhering to our legal and moral obligations.

Stop listening to those who claim that Islam is “the religion of peace.”

One only has to look at the history of Islamic nations over the past 100 years to see how Islam has created oppression and conflict among Shias, Sunnis and Kurds.

The only thing that all Muslims can agree on is that their religion(s) MUST be the cornerstone of their government(s).

If the different Islamic sects can’t even get along with one another — imagine how difficult it is for them to tolerate “infidels” like American Christians — or even Jews, Buddhists, Wiccans, Atheists, etc.

Furthermore — if Islam is truly such a wonderful and peaceful belief system — why hasn’t there been any significant outrage at the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq?

Terrorists and insurgents are killing fellow Muslims, yet few are coming forward to offer information that might lead to the capture of those responsible.

In contrast — remember how Muslims were burning the American flag and effigies of the president after a DUTCH artist created a cartoon of Mohammed? The United States didn’t even have anything to do with it — yet Muslims were rioting in the streets and calling for American blood to be spilled.

The whole thing is idiotic.

Republican Dude

Islam is an intolerant and extreme religion, and anyone who says it isn’t obviously has never read the Koran.

Stop listening to those who claim that Islam is “the religion of peace.”

One only has to look at the history of Islamic nations over the past 100 years to see how Islam has created oppression and conflict among Shias, Sunnis and Kurds.

The only thing that all Muslims can agree on is that their religion(s) MUST be the cornerstone of their government(s).

If the different Islamic sects can’t even get along with one another — imagine how difficult it is for them to tolerate “infidels” like American Christians — or even Jews, Buddhists, Wiccans, Atheists, etc.

Furthermore — if Islam is truly such a wonderful and peaceful belief system — why hasn’t there been any significant outrage at the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq?

Terrorists and insurgents are killing fellow Muslims, yet few are coming forward to offer information that might lead to the capture of those responsible.

In contrast — remember how Muslims were burning the American flag and effigies of the president after a DUTCH artist created a cartoon of Mohammed? The United States didn’t even have anything to do with it — yet Muslims were rioting in the streets and calling for American blood to be spilled.

The whole thing is idiotic.

fc sanders

You forget “all” the terrorist for the past 40yrs have not been white christians…they have been arab islamics.

fc sanders

You forget “all” the terrorist for the past 40yrs have not been white christians…they have been arab islamics.

Republican Guy

Islam is indeed an intolerant and extreme religion, and I can back that up with facts.

The Koran has no less than 164 calls to violence, or “jihad verses.”

In ALL Muslim countries, preaching any religion other than Islam or trying to convert people to other religions is prohibited by law.

In fact, many Muslim nations do not tolerate ANY other religions at all.

Check out these web sites, then tell me you still think Islam is “the religion of peace.”

I lived in Saudi Arabia and Turkey for several years, and I have been to Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq, so I know what I am talking about.

Muslim clerics preach that true followers of Allah cannot obey parts of the Koran and disregard others — it’s all or nothing. Either you kill non-believers, or you burn for eternity. That’s the choice that Islam offers.

If you still don’t believe me — just look at the history if Islam. Even the different sects of Muslims hate one another and want to kill off everyone who doesn’t agree with their beliefs.

That’s why we have to stay in Iraq — because Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds will be at each other’s throats as soon as we leave.

The only “tolerant and peace-loving” Muslims that I have ever met are those who have never read the Koran and don’t really have a clue what their religion is about.

Republican Guy

Islam is indeed an intolerant and extreme religion, and I can back that up with facts.

The Koran has no less than 164 calls to violence, or “jihad verses.”

In ALL Muslim countries, preaching any religion other than Islam or trying to convert people to other religions is prohibited by law.

In fact, many Muslim nations do not tolerate ANY other religions at all.

Check out these web sites, then tell me you still think Islam is “the religion of peace.”

I lived in Saudi Arabia and Turkey for several years, and I have been to Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq, so I know what I am talking about.

Muslim clerics preach that true followers of Allah cannot obey parts of the Koran and disregard others — it’s all or nothing. Either you kill non-believers, or you burn for eternity. That’s the choice that Islam offers.

If you still don’t believe me — just look at the history if Islam. Even the different sects of Muslims hate one another and want to kill off everyone who doesn’t agree with their beliefs.

That’s why we have to stay in Iraq — because Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds will be at each other’s throats as soon as we leave.

The only “tolerant and peace-loving” Muslims that I have ever met are those who have never read the Koran and don’t really have a clue what their religion is about.

Pauly

How many calls for violance dose the bible have?

Pauly

How many calls for violance dose the bible have?

Pauly

“That’s why we have to stay in Iraq — because Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds will be at each other’s throats as soon as we leave.”

I guess this is where you logic fails me. If these are truly evil people bent on the total destruction of the American way of life…than…why not leave and let them kill each other off. Than, when they attack us for the first time (yes, these people did not attack us on 9/11, we know that now) they will be at far less numbers for us to deal with.

And don’t give me that bull that we went there to give them democracy. I bet my left lung that as the war was starting you were one of the people who said “kill them all and let god sort them out”…am I wrong? You obviously have no love for these people so don’t pretend that you do now that you argument to stay suite you argument now. It’s simply failed logic.

Pauly

“That’s why we have to stay in Iraq — because Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds will be at each other’s throats as soon as we leave.”

I guess this is where you logic fails me. If these are truly evil people bent on the total destruction of the American way of life…than…why not leave and let them kill each other off. Than, when they attack us for the first time (yes, these people did not attack us on 9/11, we know that now) they will be at far less numbers for us to deal with.

And don’t give me that bull that we went there to give them democracy. I bet my left lung that as the war was starting you were one of the people who said “kill them all and let god sort them out”…am I wrong? You obviously have no love for these people so don’t pretend that you do now that you argument to stay suite you argument now. It’s simply failed logic.

A TOLERANT Christian

One that I can think of:

“An eye for an eye …”

Unless you count this one:

“If thy left hand offends thee, then cut it off …” (But that’s just about cutting off your own hand — whereas the Koran says to cut off opposite arms and legs of non-believers, then if they don’t convert to Islam, go ahead and cut off their heads.

Compared to Islam and the Koran, Christianity and the Bible are about a billion times more peaceful and tolerant.

When is the last time you saw Souther Baptists, Catholics, Presbetyrians, Lutherans, Methodists, Pentocostals, Mormons — or ANY other Christians declaring a “holy war” on one another, or against non-believers?

A TOLERANT Christian

One that I can think of:

“An eye for an eye …”

Unless you count this one:

“If thy left hand offends thee, then cut it off …” (But that’s just about cutting off your own hand — whereas the Koran says to cut off opposite arms and legs of non-believers, then if they don’t convert to Islam, go ahead and cut off their heads.

Compared to Islam and the Koran, Christianity and the Bible are about a billion times more peaceful and tolerant.

When is the last time you saw Souther Baptists, Catholics, Presbetyrians, Lutherans, Methodists, Pentocostals, Mormons — or ANY other Christians declaring a “holy war” on one another, or against non-believers?

Pauly

Naaaa. they never declare war on anything…they just form lynch mobs and the rest just happends naturally.

As far as violance in the bible. I’ll post some tomorrow. But you have to remember, there is more than one version of “the Bible” just like there is more than one version of the Koran. And like you…I’ll be looking in the worst ofthe worst.

by a Tolerant Deist.

Pauly

Naaaa. they never declare war on anything…they just form lynch mobs and the rest just happends naturally.

As far as violance in the bible. I’ll post some tomorrow. But you have to remember, there is more than one version of “the Bible” just like there is more than one version of the Koran. And like you…I’ll be looking in the worst ofthe worst.

by a Tolerant Deist.

nature lover

“an eye for an eye”

There are many misconception here!. As a muslim we are being taught that this phrase can only be applied in the case when the killer murders someone without any reason, then the other person have a right to kill the killer after investigation!. BUT forgiveness is the BEST. And it is not an easy as you can kill ones live. Justification is needed. If he found quilty than it is the punisment. In the situation as in Iraq, I might say that the ‘high pressure’ situation reflects on how do they react to protect their own country. They don’t have a choice when America is trying to invade Iraq just for the sake of what? To bring them in peace? Who cause this chaos?

If you want to compare bible and Quran. Go ahead!. How many types of Bible do you have? Revised and reversion by human from Injil? (WHY?) The christian is making the bible for their own good (protect their own authority!). But there is no other verses of Quran. The one and only. Tell me if you find any.

Infact, in Bible, it does mention that you have to kill the follower who wants to convert/apostasy their ‘christianity’. So who is not being a true follower?

Apostasy (murtad) in Islam is also misconcepted. Before killing the Murtad, the person need to be advised and counseled first because he/she might have a reason why he/she chosed to be a murtad.

But non muslim who hates muslim very much is always manipulating the verses in quran without knowing and understanding Islam in deep.

Please be remind that each verses in quran was stated according to the event/history that was faced by all the prohets.

Wallahua’lam

nature lover

“an eye for an eye”

There are many misconception here!. As a muslim we are being taught that this phrase can only be applied in the case when the killer murders someone without any reason, then the other person have a right to kill the killer after investigation!. BUT forgiveness is the BEST. And it is not an easy as you can kill ones live. Justification is needed. If he found quilty than it is the punisment. In the situation as in Iraq, I might say that the ‘high pressure’ situation reflects on how do they react to protect their own country. They don’t have a choice when America is trying to invade Iraq just for the sake of what? To bring them in peace? Who cause this chaos?

If you want to compare bible and Quran. Go ahead!. How many types of Bible do you have? Revised and reversion by human from Injil? (WHY?) The christian is making the bible for their own good (protect their own authority!). But there is no other verses of Quran. The one and only. Tell me if you find any.

Infact, in Bible, it does mention that you have to kill the follower who wants to convert/apostasy their ‘christianity’. So who is not being a true follower?

Apostasy (murtad) in Islam is also misconcepted. Before killing the Murtad, the person need to be advised and counseled first because he/she might have a reason why he/she chosed to be a murtad.

But non muslim who hates muslim very much is always manipulating the verses in quran without knowing and understanding Islam in deep.

Please be remind that each verses in quran was stated according to the event/history that was faced by all the prohets.

Wallahua’lam

Christian

the Bible makes no reference to violence being o.k. in fact it opposes it. the koran however tells tham that all non-muslims are infedels and have betrayed the love of allah

Christian

the Bible makes no reference to violence being o.k. in fact it opposes it. the koran however tells tham that all non-muslims are infedels and have betrayed the love of allah

Atheistic Newton

I used to believe that most people were inherently good, that everyone has a good side. But then I kept seeing all these suicide bombings, all these irrational acts by manipulated desperate extremists conned by other extremists in the name of Allah that it makes me sick. How can I respect a religion that makes women into slaves, that allows their own followers to lie about who they are to save their own skin, that uses hatred and lies to manipulate other muslims to fight in cowardly attacks. A suicide bomber to me is a coward, one who doesnt have the balls to just attack proper. He’s a cheater, giving no one the right of retaliation, a dirty fighter. It’s funny, the muslims take over Jerusalem waaaay back when, then the Jews take it back and now the Muslims are pissed and claim the jews are the most evil enemy of the world spending money and time creating lies and perpetuating anti-semite information. All of this coz they don’t own some area that was never theirs to begin with. Let me ask you something Islamists, would anyone deny you Mecca? Wouldnt you feel if someone took over Mecca that it was always your place and no one should be on it but yourself? This is what the Jews believe about Israel. It’s so sad that cousins would fight like this about themselves, Jew and Muslim. And Palestinians, find another peace of worthless desert to live in and calm down. All of you are babies who feel that only YOUR opinion is the only opinion that matters. After these last attacks in India, you’ve only created more hatred for your religion than ever before. And you supposed Muslims that believe in peace and condemn the violence, we see you doing absolutely nothing to calm these whackos down, but we do find out later that you send money to the whackos secretly, cheering in closed doors,high fiving yourselves. You come to our western countries for peace and opportunity, then start suicide bombing when the news isn’t favourable to you. How would you not expect us, Judeo-christians to not begin to hate you? You want us to embrace your hatred as love? How stupid do you think we are?

Atheistic Newton

I used to believe that most people were inherently good, that everyone has a good side. But then I kept seeing all these suicide bombings, all these irrational acts by manipulated desperate extremists conned by other extremists in the name of Allah that it makes me sick. How can I respect a religion that makes women into slaves, that allows their own followers to lie about who they are to save their own skin, that uses hatred and lies to manipulate other muslims to fight in cowardly attacks. A suicide bomber to me is a coward, one who doesnt have the balls to just attack proper. He’s a cheater, giving no one the right of retaliation, a dirty fighter. It’s funny, the muslims take over Jerusalem waaaay back when, then the Jews take it back and now the Muslims are pissed and claim the jews are the most evil enemy of the world spending money and time creating lies and perpetuating anti-semite information. All of this coz they don’t own some area that was never theirs to begin with. Let me ask you something Islamists, would anyone deny you Mecca? Wouldnt you feel if someone took over Mecca that it was always your place and no one should be on it but yourself? This is what the Jews believe about Israel. It’s so sad that cousins would fight like this about themselves, Jew and Muslim. And Palestinians, find another peace of worthless desert to live in and calm down. All of you are babies who feel that only YOUR opinion is the only opinion that matters. After these last attacks in India, you’ve only created more hatred for your religion than ever before. And you supposed Muslims that believe in peace and condemn the violence, we see you doing absolutely nothing to calm these whackos down, but we do find out later that you send money to the whackos secretly, cheering in closed doors,high fiving yourselves. You come to our western countries for peace and opportunity, then start suicide bombing when the news isn’t favourable to you. How would you not expect us, Judeo-christians to not begin to hate you? You want us to embrace your hatred as love? How stupid do you think we are?

Vincent Carroll is The Denver Post's editorial page editor. He has been writing commentary on politics and public policy in Colorado since 1982 and was originally with the Rocky Mountain News, where he was also editor of the editorial pages until that newspaper gave up the ghost in 2009.

Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 150 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address, day and evening phone numbers, and may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.

To reach the Denver Post editorial page by phone: 303-954-1331

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